Project 365 - Final Post

You know, I have to admit that I don't like endings.  I don't like when a book or a movie ends, because I usually want to know the rest of the story.  I definitely don't like saying good-bye.  Even, when I know that an ending means a wonderful new beginning, I usually don't like it at the time.

And now, Project 365 is coming to an end.   With that being said, I have enjoyed doing Project 365 so much. I must admit that at times it has been very time consuming to get the pictures up on the blog, especially when I would go a while without posting.  It will be strange not to look for a photo op EVERY day, but I am sure I will still look for them anyway.  I am proud that I actually stuck with this project all year even though I did miss a few days here and there.  I have certainly learned a lot about my camera this year and have been challenged in many ways.  I hope to learn even more in 2012!  So, although this is an ending, I know that there will be many new opportunities along the way in the coming year. 

I will end this year with a picture I took as we were getting ready to put away our Christmas decorations.  The nativity is a present from two sweet friends of mine who went to Israel with the FBCJ Choir, and the background is lights from our Christmas tree.  What a wonderful reminder as one year comes to an end and a new year begins...."I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."  John 10:10.

Project 365 - December 31

More family arrived on December 31, and we celebrated Caleb's third birthday.   I don't see my cousins too often, so it certainly was good to visit and catch up on life!



This is the cake that I made for Caleb's birthday.  I have made all three of his birthday cakes, so I hope this tradition continues.

I didn't get a good picture of these, but mom and I iced these cupcakes because we weren't sure that the football cake would be enough.  Mom did the grass one.  She did so good!  By the way, the football cake was plenty, but these sure are cute!

Lauren, my cousin Alister's fiance, jumped right in with the kids when she got there.  They loved have new people to climb on and play with.

Time for cake!!!

He is probably thinking, "When do I actually get to eat some of the cake?"  Both of the kids decided on cupcakes.

The kids also had a great time with Alister.

Cathy helped Caleb read his birthday cards.



He got this LSU jersey and had to put it on right then and yell, "Go Tigers!!"

He actually ended up with few tops, and he wanted to put them all on at the same time.  You can see that the LSU jersey is underneath this one.  I'm not sure what the face is though.  This is what I go when I asked his to say cheese.  :)



Chad also enjoyed some of Caleb's presents.

While Gayle was there, Granny got a quick trim.

My cousin Penelope stayed bundled up all afternoon!

When it was time for us to leave, Camryn helped out by holding Rook while we got everything loaded in the car.

When Bruce and I got home from Louisiana, we went to the grocery store so that we would have something to eat tomorrow. We have been traveling most of the last eight days, so there wasn't much food around our house.  At Kroger, we found English Weetabix for $3.00 and bought both boxes they had.  I was so excited, because it is normally $10.00!!!!  There is an American Weetabix, but we have tried it, and it is definitely not the same.  In case you don't know, Weetabix is a cereal that we both love while we are in England.  We just don't buy it here in America since it is $10.00 a box.  So, with a Tupperware container full of Weetabix biscuits, I had two for dinner and then settled in for a quiet New Year's Eve.

Project 365 - December 30

Chad, Cathy, and the kids got to my grandparents this afternoon, so the house was full of the sounds of children after that!  After dinner, we had our family Christmas time.

 A new swing got hung on my Granny and Papa's porch. I think they like it! 

 Camryn and Caleb definitely had fun opening presents together this year.

I wasn't in a good position to get great pictures of the kids, but this is the best one I got of Caleb.  It doesn't even come close to showing his excitement about each present.  Of course, he did think everyone was getting "jammies" just like him (even if the box was super tiny!).  He was so cute and kept us all laughing!

Caleb wanted in all the gifts, not just his own.  Here he is trying to open the car washing kit I got for my dad.
 

Camryn received a gift card to Hobby Lobby.  She can choose her own arts and crafts now.  She says she wants to be a teacher when she grows up.  I think she might be an art teacher.  She LOVES doing art projects!

 Granny and Papa enjoyed looking at their book about Camryn and Caleb's year.

Bruce showed off his stacking nutcracker set that was in his stocking from my mom and dad.

Project 365 - December 29

Bruce and I spent the last few days of the 2011 with my family in Louisiana.  Without the kids there, it was quiet the first couple of days.

December 29 - I always love seeing what beautiful plants my Granny and Papa have planted in their backyard.  The weather was perfect while we were down there as well, so it made for great picture taking! 

December 28 - My family must really love Chex mixes.  These are the three that were available this weekend, and I think most of them got eaten!

Project 365 - December 27

After spending time in with Bruce's family, we came home for just a few days before heading out to visit my family.

December 27 - As we got out to run some errands today, this guy was sitting on the ledge of our living room window.  He actually was quite large.

December 26 - Bruce and I exchanged gifts when we got home today.  I think his Aston Villa hat fits perfectly!   Hopefully it will when it arrives, but I ordered it late so he just got a picture of it today.  :)

Project 365 - December 25

We enjoyed a great meal today and had fun opening presents with Bruce's family.

Project 365 - December 24

Christmas Eve morning, we had to get up to see the Santa Claus parade.  This brings back such great memories from my childhood Christmas visits to my Granny and Papa's house! 

Project 365 - December 23

We spent this afternoon with Bruce's extended family. 

 Bruce and Lily Brooke

 I think Ally likes the Sock Monkey we gave her!  Bruce made a great choice.

 I got to hold sweet Hayes for while!

I don't remember what was so funny, but I like this picture of us with Brian and Amy, Bruce's brother and sister-in-law.

These children sat for about five minutes for pictures.  I know they must have been tired, but they did a great job sitting still!  These are the children of Bruce's three cousins.  I had a great time being with them, and it sure was fun to see them open their presents!

Project 365 - December 22

With Christmas only a few days away, it is time for last minute sweet treats and wrapping!



December 22 - Today was gift wrapping day!  All of the presents that had been living on the side of the bed in the guest room got to come out and get wrapped up.  Of course, all of the gifts are labeled with tags from Charise Wilson Designs.

December 21 - I did get around to making this yummy treat that I found on Pinterest!  It is delicious and made a great gift to give to neighbors.  The recipe is easy: 3 cups Chocolate Chex, 3 cups Chex Muddy Buddies, 3 cups Christmas M&M's, 2 cups pretzels, and 2 cups peanuts.  All you do is mix together and enjoy!

December 20 - Here are some pralines that Bruce made for his co-workers.  I usally make about 15 or so dozen each Christmas season, but I did not get around to that this year.   I think my co-workers will have to get them as New Year's presents this year.  :)

Project 365 - December 19

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!  I finally finished creating our Christmas card today!

Project 365 - December 18

December 18 - After dinner tonight, Bruce and I went to see the lights in a nearby neighborhood. There are three houses that are all synched together to music.  It is pretty cool!



Christmas Pictures - Robertson Family

After sleeping for five hours after the Buried Treasures Christmas Party, it was time to head to Chad and Cathy's house to keep the kids while they went to a Christmas party.  While I was there, we had a Christmas photo session.  There's nothing like waiting until the last minute, huh?  :)

The kids really did great, and this is where we ended! :)